Police seek suspect in Mauna Kea road obstruction

State Department of Land and Natural Resources enforcement officers are seeking anyone who witnessed or might have knowledge about rocks being placed on the Mauna Kea Access Road at the road’s 5.5-mile marker during the late afternoon of May 16.

The rocks created a potential safety hazard as they were placed in the downhill lane, in the middle of a sharp right-hand corner. Officers interviewed workers on Mauna Kea, who reported seeing a man in the area just before and after rocks appeared on the road.

An image captured by a Hale Pohaku Visitor Center security camera shows a shirtless man carrying a plastic gallon container and walking uphill along the road. DLNR said a telescope worker confirmed that this was the person they witnessed on the road at about the time the rocks were placed at the 12,500-foot level.

The man is described as between 5 feet 5 inches and 5 feet 8 inches tall with a slim build. He was seen wearing light-colored white to light gray-colored board shorts and slippers, with a black-colored backpack. He was carrying an opaque plastic container.

Anyone who recognizes the man or has information is asked to call DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement at 643-DLNR.